Think about how many times a month you go to large franchised businesses to buy the things that you need to live your best life. Think about how much money you give to those companies who receive their goods from children in another country who get little to no pay. Does coming to that realization, the realization that you actively support those companies (whether it be consciously or unconsciously), bring you joy, peace, or happiness? Of course it doesn't!

Don't worry. There is another way.

The answer to this dilemma that you are facing is much more simple than you think and it is, quite literally, right in front of your nose.

SHOPPING LOCAL!

I know that the idea of shopping local or shopping small may sound a little intimidating in the beginning, but once you start, you'll find out that it is really very easy. You can get anything that you need by shopping local! You can find anything from food to jewelry, to coffee, to clothes.

Small businesses represent your community's creative consciousness. They make your small town much more unique and quirky. They show outsiders and surrounding communities that you're different and have something special to offer and bring to the table. The money that they circulate is also really good for the economy of your community.

The people who run these small shops are always very genuine and very good at what they do. It's their passion. It's what they love most in life. They take this very seriously. They care deeply for the products or services that they are producing. They have worked so incredibly hard to get to where they are now. They deserve all of the support that they can get!

These owners and workers, the friends and family members that you see almost every day, are making their dreams happen. It's a lot of hard work. Why wouldn't you want to be a part of that?